How I Survived 11 Days at WDW with a Disney-Resistant Husband **2/20 THE END **

Had a great trip! Absolutely loved MNSSHP. Had I known that I would like it so much I may have planned to attend 2X!!! Spend Canadian Thanksgiving with friends in Homestead FL. They were kind enough to surprise us with a thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, I was realy touched!!!

Did I read correctly??? Did Katie start her riding lessons??? If that is correct, I am soooo excited for her! As I told you, I will be living vicariously through her since my DD wants nothing to do with horses!
 
HI!!! I am back and all caught up (read my PTR for my reasons for being away :sad2: )

I loved your EPCOT day! The kids (and shopping hubby) seem to have a blast! What a neat DISMeet too!

I am SO happy you reviewed San Angel Inn! My DH has really wanted to try that, but we are always scared to. Thanks!

Beautiful Christmas cards! Just love them. Also, how cool of those people to be paddling in pumpkins! WOW! Can't wait to read about Jiko!:lovestruc
 


WOW, I LOVE your Christmas cards. I'm just trying to plan our outfits (our December trip) and I'm hoping we can get one amazing pictures in front the the castle during the party night (then I realized the outfits I got us we will need to wear a coat if its too cold...I might have to go to GF and get one in front of the tree...I saw someone post last year and loved it).
My husband laughs at me that I'm plotting the outfits and don't know the weather b/c its can be cold or warm. Shopping today and I told him that we cant wear it until December and he looked at me :scared1::eek:

:rotfl: I am right there with you on plotting out in great detail outfits for a family photo shoot. As it turned out, we had to make a last-minute change for ours, but sounds like you will be smarter than I was and have a warm weather and cooler weather option.;)

Sounds like a fun weekend!! Love all the pics. Your Christmas card is great!! Congrats to Hubby on the race. Avery and I are going to see Secratariat when she has a day off from school on Oct 22md.

Have fun at Secretariat tomorrow! Believe it or not, Katie and I are going for the 2nd time tomorrow too with some friends who haven't yet seen it. You will LOVE it!!! :)

Yep, just posted my Jiko dinner on my TR this morning! We had ADR's after AK EMH's, it was a late night!

I am insanely jealous of your quick trip! I haven't had the chance to meet C yet and Howard Jones is just icing on the cake in my book! :cloud9:

can I just say how funny it strikes me to see a Tim Horton's banner at the end of a 1/2 marathon :rotfl2: Looks like you've had a fun weekend!

Hey Katie!!! Good to hear from you again! You are right - it is a little ironic to see a donut chain sponsoring a half marathon!:rotfl:

I will have to get back over to your TR to hear all about your meal at Jiko. I have not been on here much lately. I guess a trip to Disney is a good excuse to be absent.:laughing:

Congrats to your hubby, that is no easy feat..good for him!

Love the kids outfits, they are so cute!

I love that you guys have a pumpkin regatta....how fun does that look?

Ok....now about that Christmas card.....G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!!! They did an amazing job with those pictures!


Thanks Queen!!! I am so looking forward to getting caught up on trip reports...and yours tops the list! Hopefully in another week or so things will be back to normal. I was out of the office for 6 days and just back so things are still a little crazy.:eek:

Hi!! i have a lot to read up on.. but i was lurking and noticed the comment about San angel... we were just there last week... needless to say .. we went hungry that night.. alll the food was HORRIBLE!

Sorry you didn't enjoy your meal at San Angel.:confused3 We loved it. I can see if you are going in expecting TexMex, you would be disappointed. We really like authentic Mexican food and enjoyed our meals quite a bit.:)

Aren't the Voices of Liberty amazing?! I loved seeing them this past December. Incredibly powerful and beautiful!

A little solo time at Epcot, gotta love that!!! :thumbsup2

Happy Thanksgiving to you! Looks like a very fun weekend - the gourd scavenger hunt sounds like so much fun! What a GREAT idea. I just might have to go pick up some gourds and do that with Henry, even though we don't have Thanksgiving for another month, it will still be a fun activity! Super cute pics of the kids in the tree.

Your Christmas card turned out beautifully! I wish I could see the others, I'm sure they are just as beautiful! Perhaps the pictures will come back. :goodvibes

Thanks for the comments on the cards....I actually had them mailed to me at the Beach Club of all places since they don't yet ship the cards to Canada. I just picked them up Monday and they look great. I will take some photos over the next few days and repost them so you can see!;)

Love the Christmas Card!!! Looks great! I'm almost done making our cards, too. The advantage of a summer trip to Disney!

Amanda

I would love to see your cards Amanda!!!:goodvibes

I can't believe how much those sweaters cost. Alone time sounds like a nice birthday treat. I have never seen the American Adventure and I really want to. It is on my list for next trip for sure.

I think American Adventure is a must-do. Especially if you are American!;) While I like Hall of Presidents, AA is far more moving and poignant IMO.
 
Beautiful Christmas cards! And I love Declan's hooded sweater. It really caught my eye. I can't wait to see the missing cards.

Thank you! I will try to post pictures of the other cards in the next few days.

That Ditch looked so empty...like something was missing...oh, I know...ME!! :rotfl: We all left the day before- what a perfect plan you all had, hitting the Ditch on Cinco de Mayo. :thumbsup2

Those sweaters Chris likes are BEAUTIFUL- I'm surprised they're even too heavy for you up in Canada- I'm freezing all winter in NJ- how can you be warm withOUT that sweater up there is what I want to know!!

You are too funny!:laughing: We certainly missed you girls at our Cinco Meet!

As for the sweaters....yes, we definitely get our cold days up in Atlantic Canada. But because we are surrounded by the ocean, our temperatures tend to be warmer than inland areas...like NH! Sorry!:rotfl:

In all seriousness, I would guess our temps are pretty comparable. But DH always seems to be on the hot side of comfortable, even in the dead of winter.

Beautiful cards! Sent you a PM and would love the information you offered!

Sorry for the delay....I have been away. I will be sending out the codes to everyone tomorrow or Saturday!:)

LOVE your Christmas card, it turned out beautifully!

I'm excited for you for your quick solo trip and really bummed that I couldn't work it out to be there as well. Hope you have a great time!

Thanks Michelle! It was a great little trip, even if it was a quick one!:goodvibes

Just found your TR yesterday and am already caught up! Awesome report! It's like a good book, I just couldn't stop reading. :goodvibes Can't wait to read the rest and I'm glad to hear it will not be your last trip after all. That would be tragic! :eek:

Thanks for posting! So glad to have you here!:welcome: I will have an update or two up over the weekend.:goodvibes

Trish ~ I absolutely LOVE your Christmas card...how beautiful!!! :goodvibes

Thank you!:)
 


Had a great trip! Absolutely loved MNSSHP. Had I known that I would like it so much I may have planned to attend 2X!!! Spend Canadian Thanksgiving with friends in Homestead FL. They were kind enough to surprise us with a thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, I was realy touched!!!

Did I read correctly??? Did Katie start her riding lessons??? If that is correct, I am soooo excited for her! As I told you, I will be living vicariously through her since my DD wants nothing to do with horses!

No kidding! I was at MNSSHP on Oct.17th? Were you there too by chance???

Yes, Katie started her lessons and has been absolutely loving riding! Actually we are both enjoying it - I am riding with her!;)

I'm in. Awesome TR. !!

Thanks! Welcome!!!:welcome:

HI!!! I am back and all caught up (read my PTR for my reasons for being away :sad2: )

I loved your EPCOT day! The kids (and shopping hubby) seem to have a blast! What a neat DISMeet too!

I am SO happy you reviewed San Angel Inn! My DH has really wanted to try that, but we are always scared to. Thanks!

Beautiful Christmas cards! Just love them. Also, how cool of those people to be paddling in pumpkins! WOW! Can't wait to read about Jiko!:lovestruc

Oh Katie....I assumed quite incorrectly that you were busy (in a good way)with life all this time. I just read your PTR for the update. How terrible! I am so, so sorry!!!

We have had a number of things come up recently with our house too. The list includes replacement of both fireplaces (Chris is convinced the masonry is failing and possibly causing water leaks into both chimneys) and installation of a steel roof (Chris is convinced the 15 yr old asphault shingles are at their limit and is keen on a steel roof as we are right on the ocean and get blasted by strong winds and salt), plus replacement of the patio doors off our kitchen and master bedroom. Major, major, major expenses. I was feeling sorry for myself as I have also been questioning whether an October family trip at the BC is really in the cards next year. Then I read your update and felt absolutely sick for you and immediately stopped feeling sorry for myself. :guilty: I am so glad that you are still going in December. You will definitely need this trip and I am so happy that you are still taking it!:hug:


Please will you continue your report. I'm obsessed with how it all ends!

Don't worry...I may not be as fast in writing this report as I have been in the past, but it definitely won't be abandonned. If you can stick with me, I promise I will finish. I was away for 6 days, and I am just coming up for air, and still very much in the process of catching up at work and at home.:eek:
However, I should have an update or two to throw up sometime over the weekend.:)
 
Love your christmas cards.....glad that your photo session worked out so well for you.

Did you have a nice time away?
 
Hi Trish! I know I've been MIA from the DIS the past few months but I'm back and I just spent the morning catching up on your TR!! I can't wait to read more and see how your birthday dinner goes! And I LOVE your Christmas cards!! WOW! You are ahead of the game! I will be rushing to get ours done when we get back from our trip since I want to use pics from our trip with all of the Christmas decorations! Oh--and I wanted to add that I just ADORE Katie's Tiana custom--BEAUTIFUL!! :lovestruc
 
No kidding! I was at MNSSHP on Oct.17th? Were you there too by chance???

Yes, Katie started her lessons and has been absolutely loving riding! Actually we are both enjoying it - I am riding with her!;)
No, we were at the party on September 28 and it rained miserably all afternoon and for part of the evening. Thankfully it cleared up around 8pm but that had put somewhat of a damper on my mood so I felt I deserved a "do-over" MNSSHP especially since I didn't get the see the headless horseman in the parade, because the streets were too wet he wasn't out (first parade only, don't know if he came out in the second one). Unfortunately our schedule was packed so attending another night was not possible... Oh well.. Guess I will just have to go back next year... :rotfl:

How fun that the 2 of you are taking riding lessons together! Do I see a pony as an addition to the family in the near future??? :rotfl:


Woo Hoo! Just realized that this is my 100th post!!!
 
Love your christmas cards.....glad that your photo session worked out so well for you.

Did you have a nice time away?

Thanks! And I had a great time. Very short trip, but lots of fun!:goodvibes

Hi Trish! I know I've been MIA from the DIS the past few months but I'm back and I just spent the morning catching up on your TR!! I can't wait to read more and see how your birthday dinner goes! And I LOVE your Christmas cards!! WOW! You are ahead of the game! I will be rushing to get ours done when we get back from our trip since I want to use pics from our trip with all of the Christmas decorations! Oh--and I wanted to add that I just ADORE Katie's Tiana custom--BEAUTIFUL!! :lovestruc

Well hey stranger!:) Glad to see you back here! Can't wait to see your Christmas cards...I love all the cards people use from their holiday trips to Disney!:goodvibes

No, we were at the party on September 28 and it rained miserably all afternoon and for part of the evening. Thankfully it cleared up around 8pm but that had put somewhat of a damper on my mood so I felt I deserved a "do-over" MNSSHP especially since I didn't get the see the headless horseman in the parade, because the streets were too wet he wasn't out (first parade only, don't know if he came out in the second one). Unfortunately our schedule was packed so attending another night was not possible... Oh well.. Guess I will just have to go back next year... :rotfl:

How fun that the 2 of you are taking riding lessons together! Do I see a pony as an addition to the family in the near future??? :rotfl:


Woo Hoo! Just realized that this is my 100th post!!!


So sorry you missed the headless horseman. You are right - that is a very good reason to return!;)

Yay for your 100th post!:)
All caught up now! :D

LOVE the updates and the kids' J&J pumpkin outfits!!

Thank you!:goodvibes
 
Birthday Dinner at Jiko

After my lovely afternoon solo jaunt through Worldshowcase, I came back to a content and well-rested family lounging in the villa watching some Disney cartoons.

When I arrived home I was presented with a card from my family and a Disney shopping bag. Inside were these:

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A Mickey dishtowel and antenna topper! Of course, I knew my SIL had something to do with these gifts, as just two nights earlier I had been standing in line at World of Disney with these exact items but gave up as a result of the long wait.;)

I also received a card from my MIL, SIL and nephews for a pedicure at either of the Niki Bryan spas at WDW.:goodvibes

After the cards and gifts were opened, I jumped into the shower and quickly got ready for dinner. Then, we were off...to Animal Kingdom Lodge and our first experience at Jiko! I couldn't wait!!!


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Once again, it was great to see the cousins bonding together on this trip.


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This restaurant was absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, my photos don't do it justice. I either didn't use flash, and got blurry images like this:


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Or I flash lit all the details out of the photos like this:


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So you will just have to take my word for it!

To start, I ordered the mussels. Really good, except that my bread was a little burnt. As I need to have bread when eating a dish like this, I have to admit it took some of the pleasure away from some otherwise delicious mussels.


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Chris, on the other hand, hit the jackpot by ordering the Taste of Africa breads and dips. This was absolutely delicious. I could never come here again without getting this:


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Here is a sampling of the many delicious meals that were served to us that evening:


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And the kids' meals:


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For dessert, they brought out a special card and dessert for me, (which I gave away to one of my nephews as I had already ordered my dessert):


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The kiddos had super-fantastic sundaes:


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My dessert:


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Delicious! Three mini donuts.


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(Continued next post...)

 
(Continued from last post)

After dinner, we spent some time exploring the Lodge, watching the animals, and speaking to the wonderful CMs.

Of course, the pool was fabulous:


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As was the kids' playground:

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As it was the last night that we would be all together as my SIL and her boys were leaving early the next morning, we also took some time for some more group photos:


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Although I had plans of watching Illuminations that night from inside Worldshowcase, unfortunately everyone was too tired by the time we arrived back at the Beach Club. However, I was able to convince my SIL to head back out with me to Downtown Disney for a little more shopping before her trip came to and end. And of course, we also enjoyed another Ghiradelli sundae!


UP NEXT: Relaxing at the Beach Club

 
what a perfect birthday meal!! :cloud9:

Your food photos make me want to add Jiko to our 'potential ADRs for honeymoon trip' list :cutie:
I ate there about 10 years ago with my family - we had the most amazing server, she actually sat down at the table with us & chatted like we were good friends :goodvibes only at Disney, lol.


Emma princess: x
 
Wasn't Jiko great?! It definitley was added to my list of favorite places to eat after Mom and I ate there in May.

All of the photos that I tried to take inside the restaurant turned out just like yours. Those light fixtures are so cool too, I really wanted to try and get a shot of them, it just wasn't meant to be.

Great family pics, you all are one beautiful group! :goodvibes
 
Day 8: Relaxing at the Beach Club

Apart from our Beach Day on the Gulf Coast, this was the first day we decided not to enter a theme park in the morning. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast from the Beach Club Marketplace and Boardwalk Bakery (grabbing the best stuff from each place), and then head out to soak up the sun at Stormalong Bay.

This was exactly what we needed. It was my MIL's last day with us, so it was nice to enjoy some quiet, relaxing time with her before she flew home. I even took both kids to the kiddie area for quite awhile to give Chris and his mom some time to relax together.

Just before noon, we gathered up our things, showered, and got ready to venture over to Epcot. We had a lunch reservation at Coral Reef, which again would prove to be another favourite from our trip. It is also one that gets very mixed reviews on the Disboards. If there is one thing I have learned from all of my trips to Disney is that you really have to try things out for yourself.

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We LOVED Coral Reef. Everything about it...from the theming, the decor, the server, and our food.

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Here is Chris' appetizer:

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And my MIL's:

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I just ate one of the kid's veggie plates:

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The kids each got pizza::rolleyes:

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Chris & I got the Mahi-Mahi:

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And his mother got the lobster raviolli:

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Trust me...this photo simply does not do this dish justice. I was offered a taste and couldn't believe how wonderful it was! I had been perfectly happy with my Mahi-Mahi...until I tasted that lobster raviolli. Chris and I have this place top on our list for a return visit!

Even the desserts here were delicious:

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After lunch, we ventured over to Nemo, took a spin in the clamshells, and then visited Bruce:

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Did I mention Chris has a strange interest in sharks? No trouble getting a picture taken here!

After that, we headed over to Journey into Imagination with Figment. I hadn't been on this in years.

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It was cute, and the kids enjoyed it. And best of all - no line!

After that, we headed over to take a boat ride across World Showcase Lagoon. But first...more Flower & Garden photos:

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Once docked, we were headed to Japan's Mitsukoshi store to do some shopping, and to pick a pearl!



UP NEXT: Picking a Pearl in Japan

 
what a perfect birthday meal!! :cloud9:

Your food photos make me want to add Jiko to our 'potential ADRs for honeymoon trip' list :cutie:
I ate there about 10 years ago with my family - we had the most amazing server, she actually sat down at the table with us & chatted like we were good friends :goodvibes only at Disney, lol.


Emma princess: x

Jiko continues to be very, very good IMO. I think after 10 yrs, you are well overdue for a return visit!;)

Wasn't Jiko great?! It definitley was added to my list of favorite places to eat after Mom and I ate there in May.

All of the photos that I tried to take inside the restaurant turned out just like yours. Those light fixtures are so cool too, I really wanted to try and get a shot of them, it just wasn't meant to be.

Great family pics, you all are one beautiful group! :goodvibes

Thanks Michelle! Glad you and your mom liked it as well. I really haven't heard too many negative things at all about this place!:)
 
Ok, this is my first time commenting on your tr but I have followed it along from the beginning! First, the title makes me laugh everytime! A Disney resistant husband! Love it!:lmao: I don't know what I'd do if my DH was resistant!:eek: I've officially trained him that Disney is our only vacation spot. He's onboard now, after about 3 Disney trips.:laughing: Although he did give me a scare when he suggested we go to the beach instead next year. I about had a heart attack and then gently reminded him of all the fun Disney has been in the past for us. Whew! Crisis averted!:thumbsup2

Your kids are adorable and it looks like you had an amazing time together.:goodvibes And how fun to have that special alone time at Epcot that you did. A little slice of heaven, right?:thumbsup2 I've really been enjoying your updates! Great job!:goodvibes
 

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